Bristol Rovers have completed the signing of a League One rival.
Bristol Rovers have finalized the signing of Barnsley winger Luke Thomas on a three-year contract, according to the club’s official website.
A well-known figure at Memorial Stadium Thomas was on loan to Rovers during the 2021/22 season and played an important role in the team’s promotion that year.
During his time with the Gas, the winger made 28 League Two matches and contributed five assists. Thomas was a starter in the Rovers’ 7-0 season-ending triumph over Scunthorpe, which secured their promotion to the third division in a dramatic manner.
Thomas will return to the Memorial Ground after a successful season with Barnsley, where he appeared in 27 League One games. It would have been a lot more if the 24-year-old hadn’t suffered a double leg fracture in October, which would have kept him out until February. After returning from injury, Thomas’ minutes dwindled, although he did participate in the League One play-off final, coming on as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday, whom the Tykes lost by the narrowest of margins in the final minute of extra time.
Who exactly is Luke Thomas?
The winger began his career with Derby County, where he appeared in just two competitive games. A loan to Coventry City allowed the 24-year-old to get senior experience, and after impressing during his loan term, he moved on to Barnsley that summer for a reputed seven-figure amount. Thomas appeared in 95 games for the Tykes, with the majority of those coming in the Championship league.
Thomas, who was a member of Bristol Rovers’ promotion-winning team in 2022, will undoubtedly be welcomed back to the Memorial Stadium as he seeks more consistent game time in the next season. Thomas, who primarily plays on the right wing, likes to cut in on his better left foot to create opportunities for his teammates. He should start for Rovers next season and will want to increase his goal-scoring production to repay Barton’s faith in him.
What was said?
Thomas remarked of his return to Bristol Rovers:
“It’s fantastic to be back at Rovers.” I’ve been here for three years and it’s time to go forward and achieve even greater success.”
Joey Barton, the manager, added:
“We are delighted to have been reunited with Luke. He had a taste of promotion with us two seasons ago, and we attempted to bring him back in for this season. He did, however, have a trip to Wembley and nearly got Barnsley up. He’s now back at Rovers and will be an important component of our squad. The three-year contract underlines our great regard for his potential and what he can provide to the squad.”
The author’s point of view
Prior to his injury, Thomas was having a fantastic season and was a regular in Barnsley’s first team. If he can stay fit, he should see regular minutes for Rovers, and it would not be surprising if he has his best season to date. With prior familiarity of the club, the winger should be able to hit the ground running, and the Gas might find themselves in the top half if they can get the best out of Thomas.
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